Released in 2005, Gangster Soul Harmony Volume 1 was created by George Miller Jr. as an effort to preserve, document, and introduce rare soul recordings to current and new generations of listeners.
Drawing from years of collecting, research, and networking within the rare soul community, Volume 1 brought together overlooked artists, independent labels, and regional recordings that had largely disappeared from public awareness.
Rather than focusing on chart hits, Gangster Soul Harmony Volume 1 celebrated the forgotten side of soul music: privately pressed releases, regional label recordings, harmony groups, and emotionally driven ballads that continue to inspire collectors around the world.
Featured Recordings on from the original CD Archive
- Bull & El Capalaras – No Sign Of Sadness
Bell Records (1970)
Lead vocalist James “Bull” Parks previously recorded with Bull & The Matadors on the St. Louis-based Toddlin’ Town label. “No Sign Of Sadness” represents a later chapter in his recording career and remains a favorite among collectors of harmony soul.
2. Rock Candy – I Don’t Think I’ll Ever Love AnotherDontee 103 (1971)
Prior to recording as Rock Candy, members of the group were known as The Contemplations. Released on Washington D.C.’s Dontee label, the record was associated with producer Joe Tate, whose work also included recordings by The Fuzz, The Summitts, The Blendelles, and Michael Washington.
3. Fabulous Traits – Lonely ManTele-Phonic Records
Little documented information currently exists regarding this release. Like many privately issued soul recordings, surviving details remain scarce, adding to its mystique among collectors.
4. Four Below Zero – Tell Me Why We Can’t Be FriendsP&P Records (1974)
A respected New York vocal group whose recordings continue to be appreciated by collectors of crossover soul and vocal harmony music.
5. Supurbs – You Don’t CareAlteen Records (1971)
Released on Chicago’s Alteen label, founded by Bill Meeks. This release appeared in multiple label color variations including gold, silver, white promo, and the harder-to-find baby blue issue.
6. Vibrations – When Will My Turn ComeNorth Bay Records (1973)
One of the standout recordings featured on Volume 1 and a favorite among collectors seeking emotionally driven harmony soul recordings.
7. Barons – I’m So LonelySuper Dome Records
A New Orleans recording that appeared on both Super Dome and Alithia labels. Among collectors there has long been discussion regarding which issue represented the original first pressing.
8. Perfections – Love StormDrive Records (1973)
The exact origins of this version of the Perfections, are not to be confused with the chicago based Perfections, and still remain under deeper research although available evidence connects this group to the florida recording scene surrounding Betty Wright, Clarence Reid, Henry Stone and his Drive records Label.
9. Reuben Bell & The Casanovas – It’s Not That Easy
A classic southern soul performance from one of the genre’s most respected vocalists. Original yellow-label pressings remain highly sought after by collectors.
10. Cautions – Poor LoserShrine Records (1966)
An exceptional recording from the legendary Shrine label, a name that continues to hold special significance among rare soul collectors.
11. Velons – Why Don’t You WriteBJM Records (1966)
A Washington D.C. recording inspired by earlier vocal group harmony traditions. Composed by John Franklin King and released on the BJM label.
12. Steve Mancha – He Stole The Love That Was MineRecorded in 1967 but left unreleased for decades. The recording finally saw official release in 1997 when the Groovesville catalog changed ownership and previously unreleased material began to surface.
13. Young Vandals – I’ve Been Good To YouOriginally known as the Young Tempts, this high school harmony group paid tribute to the sound and style of The Temptations while developing its own identity. I've been good to you originally written by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles 1961 later became closely associated with the Temptations through their 1967 recording. the Young Vandals Deliver their own interpretation of the motown ballad bringing a more harmony-ballad approach and being more unknown than the top 40 groups this made it a natural fit for the GSH Series
14. Servicemen – My TurnRecorded in December 1967. While the opposite side became known among Northern Soul dancers, this overlooked ballad remains a fitting inclusion within the Gangster Soul Harmony series.
15. Differences – That Was The DayMon’Ca Records (1971)
A Washington D.C. recording featuring lead vocalist Clifton Dyson, brother of Ronnie Dyson. The group brought together talent from both Washington D.C. and Durham, North Carolina.
16. Sinclayrs – You Came Along(1970)
only information known on this single is that this is a group recorded and potentially from Boston Mass. thus Boss Town being the label A strong harmony soul recording that continues to be appreciated by collectors of rare soul group material another natural fit for the GSH Series.
17. Topics – I Don’t Have To CryCarnival Records (1966)
One of the most respected harmony groups of the era, delivering a performance that remains admired by soul collectors worldwide.
18. Lintons – Lost LoveErica Records (1970)
An increasingly difficult recording to locate and a worthy addition to the Gangster Soul Harmony archive.
19. Fidelics – Lovers In The ParkRising Soul Records (1968)
A beautiful harmony soul recording and a fitting closing selection for Volume 1.
About Gangster Soul Harmony
Created by George Miller Jr., the Gangster Soul Harmony series was developed to preserve, document, and introduce rare soul recordings to current and new audiences. Through decades of collecting, research, and networking, the series has helped shine a light on overlooked artists, independent labels, and recordings that may otherwise have remained forgotten.
Collector Updates
Join the Gangster Soul Harmony mailing list to receive updates regarding future releases, archive projects, collector discoveries, limited editions, and upcoming releases from
The Soul Supply Group.